The Calvary Baptist Church, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, held a special Thanksgiving Service in honour of the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, alongside the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Otuoke, Professor Teddy Charles Adias.
The service, which took place at the church auditorium on Etche Street, Borikiri in Port Harcourt, drew an impressive gathering of Principal Officers, members of Management, staff of the two universities, as well as family members, friends and well-wishers who came together to celebrate and give thanks to God for His grace and faithfulness.
Delivering the sermon, the Host Pastor, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Awortu, spoke on the theme of thanksgiving, emphasizing the need for believers to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude to God. Drawing from Lamentations 3:22, he reminded the congregation that humanity continues to exist by the Lord’s mercy and compassion. He noted that every achievement in life is made possible by the grace of God and urged the congregation to remain grateful to Him at all times, even in the face of human shortcomings.
Rev. Awortu further highlighted key reasons for thanksgiving, stressing God’s compassion, His sustaining mercy and His unwavering faithfulness to mankind.
In his remarks during the thanksgiving session, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, expressed profound gratitude to God for His grace, guidance, and faithfulness. He appreciated the Visitor to the University for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment and acknowledged the support of the immediate past Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Hon. Justice Mary Odili.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed appreciation to several men of God, including Pastor David Ibiyeomie, as well as the Principal Officers, Management, staff and workers of Rivers State University for their cooperation and support. He equally thanked his wife and family for their steadfast encouragement, prayers and understanding.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi expressed optimism about the future of the University, noting that the present thanksgiving marks the beginning of greater accomplishments ahead, expressing confidence that the next thanksgiving would be greater celebration.
Also speaking, Prof. Teddy Charles Adias expressed gratitude to God for granting him a successful tenure and the completion of his service as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke. He gave all glory to God for His guidance and faithfulness throughout his administration.
The highlight of the service was the presentation of special gifts to Prof. Zeb-Obipi and Prof. Adias by the church in appreciation of their leadership, dedication and service to the academic community and society at large.
